Expanding opportunities for students, skilled workers in Japan discussed

The Ministry of Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment held a special meeting on Wednesday to explore ways to expand opportunities for Bangladeshi students and skilled workers seeking higher education and employment in Japan.

The meeting, titled "Current Situation and Prospects for Sending Students for Higher Education and Skilled Human Resources to Japan", brought together policymakers, representatives from the banking sector and education stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening bilateral cooperation, says a press release.

According to the sent to media on Participants discussed proposals aimed at making the process of sending Bangladeshi students and skilled professionals to Japan more efficient, accessible and better coordinated.

Among those attending were Md Mokhter Ahmed, special assistant to the prime minister, Dr Md Shakirul Islam Khan, and Md Shahidul Islam Chowdhury, head of the Japan Cell and joint secretary, along with other ministry officials.

Japan has emerged as an increasingly important destination for Bangladesh as the East Asian nation faces labour shortages caused by an ageing population and declining birth rate.

Demand for foreign workers has risen in sectors including information technology, healthcare, engineering, manufacturing and elderly care, presenting new opportunities for Bangladeshi students and skilled professionals.